Shell Alexia 40 XC
Shell Alexia 40 XC is a high-performance, low-BN (40) cylinder lubricant developed for modern low-speed, two-stroke marine engines operating on fuels with sulphur content below 0.5%, including VLSFO, ULSFO, distillate fuels, LNG and biofuels. Formulated as an SAE 50 lubricant using proprietary technology, it is specifically designed to meet the cleanliness and reliability demands of engines operating under IMO 2020 compliant fuel regulations.
A key performance advantage of Shell Alexia 40 XC is its exceptional engine cleanliness. It has been proven to deliver more than 30% greater cleanliness than Category I BN40 cylinder oils and comparable cleanliness to Category II BN100 cylinder oils in field trials conducted in collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions. The formulation significantly reduces ash accumulation in the exhaust gas system and minimises deposits on pistons, piston rings, ring grooves, under-piston spaces and cylinder ports.
The lubricant provides excellent acid neutralising capability, helping to prolong component life and control corrosive wear. It effectively controls cylinder liner and piston ring wear while reducing the risk of scuffing and deposit build-up. These properties contribute directly to improved engine reliability and extended maintenance intervals.
Shell Alexia 40 XC supports efficient onboard operations by eliminating the need to switch between high- and low-BN lubricants when operating on compliant low sulphur fuels. It is fully miscible and compatible with all other cylinder lubricants within the Shell portfolio, simplifying inventory management. The product is completely stable in storage under the wide range of conditions encountered aboard ships.
The formulation has undergone more than 6000 hours of rigorous testing on the latest engine types using IMO 2020 compliant fuels. It is approved for use in all MAN ES B&W two-stroke engines Mark 9 and above and is also suitable for Mark 8 and lower engines, provided manufacturer guidelines are followed.
Typical physical characteristics include SAE 50 viscosity grade, kinematic viscosity of 18.5 mm²/s at 100°C, viscosity index of 98, flash point minimum 210°C, pour point maximum –20°C and BN of 40 mg/KOH/g with sulphated ash content of 5.2%.
